Pictured left to right: Jim Duncan, Matt Feldmeyer, Katie Pond, Hannah Franklin
Key to Change is pleased to welcome new leadership and members to its Board of Directors, bringing together a group of respected leaders from the arts, education, architecture, and finance who share a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for young people through music.
As the organization continues to grow its impact across South King County and the greater Seattle region, the experience and vision of its board will play an important role in advancing the mission of Key to Change. Through world class music instruction, mentorship, and academic opportunities, the organization works to empower young musicians and prepare them for futures filled with possibility.
The leadership and dedication of the board are essential to the continued growth of Key to Change. Board members provide strategic guidance, financial stewardship, and community leadership that allow the organization to expand programs, deepen partnerships, and open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to high level musical and academic opportunities.
“The strength of any nonprofit organization lies in the people who believe in its mission and are willing to help guide its future”, said Dr. Quinton Morris, Executive Director & Founder of Key to Change. “Our board members bring remarkable experience, insight, and dedication to our work, and their commitment helps ensure that our students continue to receive the mentorship, education, and opportunities they deserve.”
This year, Key to Change welcomes Jim Duncan as President of the Board, Matt Feldmeyer as Vice President, Hannah Franklin as Treasurer, and Katie Pond as a new member of the Board of Directors. Learn more about these individuals and opportunities to meet them below.
Jim Duncan, President
Jim is a board member and advisor to both profit and nonprofit boards, having served more than twenty organizations throughout his career, including Classical KING, Path with Art, Seattle Arts and Lectures, Benaroya Hall, and the ArtsFund Foundation. He previously served sixteen years as a trustee of ArtsFund, including two years as Board Chair.
A lifelong advocate for arts and culture, Jim believes deeply in music’s power to inspire, unite, and transform lives. His own experience learning the trumpet at age twelve fostered confidence and community through years of performing in bands and orchestras.
After a consulting career of thirty eight years, Jim retired as CEO and Board Chair of Sparling, now Stantec, a leader in electrical engineering, technology, acoustics, and lighting consultancy. He holds an MBA from Seattle University, a BS from Clemson University, and completed Harvard’s Executive Leadership Program. His honors include Washington Engineer of the Year, Engineering Fellow, and honorary membership in both AIA Washington and AIA Seattle. Originally from Baltimore, Jim now lives in Seattle with his wife Gaylee and enjoys music, theatre, sailing, hiking, and travel.
Matt Feldmeyer, Vice President
Matt has served as a committed board member and continues to support the organization’s mission to expand opportunities for young musicians. Matt is an architect who has worked in the design and construction industry for more than twenty five years. Since 2016 he has worked for the Renton School District in the Capital Planning and Construction office, where he currently serves as Executive Director. Prior to that, he worked for capital projects offices at Seattle University and the State of Washington, as well as architecture firms in Seattle and his hometown of Bloomington, Indiana.
He earned his Master of Public Administration from Seattle University and holds both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Ball State University. His work on Sartori Elementary School and the Family First Community Center received Washington Governor’s Smart Community Awards.
Matt lives in Renton with his wife, three children, a dog, and a cat. He is deeply passionate about creating outstanding learning environments and removing barriers that prevent young people from pursuing their fullest potential.
Hannah Franklin, Treasurer
Hannah is a Director in the Audit practice at Armanino, where she helps lead the firm’s public accounting work in the Pacific Northwest and works closely with companies to help them achieve their compliance objectives.
She is a Certified Public Accountant in Washington and California and also serves on the board of The Bridge, Armanino’s initiative dedicated to advancing gender equity within the accounting profession. Previously, she served as Treasurer for Congregation Shalom Rav in Austin, Texas.
Hannah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude, from Seattle University and her Master in Public Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin. She and her family live in Renton and enjoy spending time together on the trails by the lake. She is an avid yogi, music lover, and fan of science fiction and fantasy.
Katie Pond, Board Member
Katie is a Principal Architect with Hutteball and Oremus Architecture, a firm that specializes in PreK through 12 educational design. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating learning environments that support student success, community well being, and long term sustainability.
Music has played an important role in Katie’s life from an early age. She learned to read music at three, began playing piano at four, and received her first violin at six. Throughout her life, music has opened doors and created community, an experience she is eager to help create for young people through her service with Key to Change.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, hiking, gardening, and traveling.
Meet Our New Board Members
Community members and supporters will have the opportunity to meet the Key to Change Board of Directors at the Spring Salon Community Concert on Sunday, March 29 at 3:30 pm at Benaroya Hall. Board members will be attending the concert and look forward to connecting with supporters, families, and community members who share a commitment to the future of young musicians.
Through the leadership of its board and the generosity of its supporters, Key to Change continues to open doors for students across our region. Together, we are building a community where talent is nurtured, confidence is strengthened, and young artists are empowered to pursue their dreams.
